Today at 1 PM in Wooster, Ohio, the Yeshiva University Maccabees (1-0) will look to continue their strong start against the Wooster Fighting Scots (0-0), a team that received multiple Top 25 votes in the preseason poll. The Macs have set the bar high with an impressive showing on Friday, dismantling the #19 ranked Mount Union. The team looked like one that had been playing together for three years now. The motion offense flowed smoothly, backcuts off backscreens were open, and the team limited the turnovers. The Fighting Scots had a respectable 18-10 record last year, finishing second in their conference. They are led by last years NCAC player of the year Nick Everett who averaged just over 13 points. Now, in the first ever meeting between these two teams, the Macs will look to finish off their road trip with a statement win. With a win today, the Macs will show that they’re looking to make noise throughout D3 this year.
Dothan Bardichev and the Macs will look to continue their strong start to the season in Sunday’s matchup at Wooster. (Photo Credits: Akiva Poppers/MacsLive)
Rebounding:
Last year it was their kryptonite, this year they hope it will not be an issue. If you listened to the Mount Union broadcast on Friday, I can’t even remember how many times they mentioned the Macs negative rebound differential last year. Despite losing the rebounding battle 40-37, the Macs looked much improved on the boards. At halftime, the Macs had already accumulated 14 second chance points to go along with 24 rebounds. With newcomer Luke Cronin and a healthy Yoav Osleka, the Macs hope to continue their strong rebounding in this game.
Limit the Turnovers:
In their first game the Macs turned the ball over just 13 times, less than their season average of 15 last year. A few of those turnovers happened in the last few minutes against Mount Union's full court press. With the Macs looking like a team that's starting to gel together, limiting turnovers and not allowing free points will be a huge factor in this game and the rest of the season.
Maintaining Composure:
In a tough and hostile environment on Friday, the Macs got off to a hot start and kept their foot on the gas. The broadcasters and Top 25 voter Ryan Scott commented that the crowd was sparse with the game happening on a Friday afternoon. On a Sunday afternoon, expect this gym to be packed with hostile fans and loud crowd noise. The Macs will need to maintain their composure in a tough environment and pull off the win.
How to Watch:
Tip-off is slated for 1 PM. You can watch the game here.
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